What are the benefits of Salaat - Prayer

Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) has said in the Noble Qur’an: “I have not created the jinn and humankind for any other purpose except that they should worship Me.” (Noble Qur’an 51:56)

It is clear from the above verse of Noble Qur’an that the purpose of our birth and of our life is no other than that of the worship of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala). There are many acts of worship (Ibadah, Ibadat) in Islam, and Salah is one of the most important obligatory acts.

Following are some of the importance of Salaat:

1. It is an act which exhorts constant Remembrance of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala:

To cultivate and constantly keep alive the awareness that we are Allah’s slaves is not an easy task, because the Shaytaan is constantly trying to take us away from Allah’s Remembrance and make us busy in pursuing the temptations of this world. Prayer is the act that will allow us to mitigate these temptations of Shaytaan and constantly link us back to our Lord.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verses 45-46:

45 Nay! Seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and Prayer: it is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit.

46 Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord and that they are to return to Him.

When we get up in the morning, the Fajr prayer reminds us first thing in the morning that we are slaves to our Lord. When we are busy in our work and searching for livelihood in the day, the Dhuhr and Asr prayers create our link back to our Lord. When we return home at sunset, the Magrib prayers remind us of our duty to our Lord, and when we are about to go to sleep, the Isha prayers do the same. Thus it is the act of prayer that, regardless of what we do all day and all night, reminds us and links us back to our Lord and Creator five times a day, every day of our lives.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 20 Surah Taha verse 14: ”Verily I am Allah: there is no god but I: so worship thou Me (only) and establish regular prayer for My Remembrance.”

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 29 Surah Ankabut verse 45: Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee and establish Regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do.

2. It develops God-consciousness and piety

Five times a day, every day of his adult life, the believer is reminded about his covenant he made with his Creator. From the time he gets up to the time he goes back to bed, regardless of what pre-occupations or temptations of the world he might be pursuing, he is reminded by prayer to remember his Lord and the believer thus renews his covenant made with Him with every prayer. The believer is always aware of his prayer times, and knows deep in his heart that the first thing that will be asked of him on the Day of Judgment in the Presence of his Majestic Lord is his constancy of prayer; thus he constantly fears that Day of Accounting at least five times a day, every single day of his life! The prescribed five obligatory prayers act like a battery charger for a believer, who charges his battery five times a day to remain fully conscious and charged regarding his mission of life, and the covenant he has made with his Majestic and Supreme Lord.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 4 Surah Nisaa verse 103: Indeed, the salaat is a prescribed duty that should be performed at the appointed times by the believers.

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 863 Narrated by Abu Hurayrah

He heard that the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘The first thing about which the people will be called to account out of their actions on the Day of Judgment is Prayer. Our Lord, the Exalted, will say to the Angels - though He knows better: “Look into the prayer of My servant and see whether he has offered it perfectly or imperfectly.” If it is perfect, that will be recorded as perfect. If it is defective, He will say: “See if there are some optional (Sunnah or Nafl) prayers offered by My servant.” If there are optional prayer to his credit, He will say: “Compensate the obligatory prayer by the optional prayer for My servant.” Then all the actions will be considered similarly.’

Some other hadith’s on the importance of Salaat:

Ibn Mas`ud (radiallahu anh) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wasalam): "Which act is the best?” He (SAW) said, "As-Salat at their fixed times.” I asked, "What next?” He (SAW) said, "Being dutiful to parents.” I asked, "What next?” He (SAW) said, "Striving (Jihad) in the way of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 

Ibn `Umar (radiallahu anhuma) reported: The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Islam is based on five (pillars): testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His slave and Messenger; performing of Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat); the payment of Zakat; performing Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House [of Allah (Ka`bah)]; and Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 

Jabir (radiallahu anh) reported: The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa salam) said, "Between a man and kufr (disbelief and paganism) is the abandonment of Salat (prayer).”
[Muslim]. 

 Following are some benefits of salaah

1. “Successful indeed are the Mu-mineen, those who humble themselves in their prayer.”Qur’an 23:1-2 

2. It will become a source of strength and power and will serve as a protection from Shaytan and provide you with stability.

3. Help’s one’s conscience and purifies and perfects other deeds. Indeed all of our actions, word and deed, are affected by our Salah. And, Subhan Allah, it works in two very simple ways. Submit more in Salah and you’ll submit in other deeds…and vice versa!!!

4. Perfects one’s morals, manners, character and attitude. This is known as Husnul Khuluq.

“Verily Salah restrains from indecency and evil deeds” Qur’an 29:45 

So, seek guidance and help from Allah for proper and submissive prayer. The Prophet Ibrahim (as) used to make the following du’a:

“O Lord! Make me and my offspring of those who establish regular Salah. O our Lord, and accept my supplication.” Qur’an 14:40

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"So hasten towards all that is good".(2:148)

"And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Rubb, and for Jannah as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqun (the pious)".(3:133)

I hope it will be helpful. May Allah guide us all to the straight path.

Ameen